Rotating detachable belt clip

ABSTRACT

The object of the present invention is to provide a rotating detachable belt clip of simple construction and low manufacturing cost. In order to achieve this object, the rotating detachable belt clip according to the present invention comprising: an attachment case having an opening section slightly broader than the external diameter of the rod section of a bushing which is inserted into the case of the mobile communications terminal device and has a T-shaped cross-section consisting of the rod section and a disc section, said attachment case being formed into a U-shaped cross-section for accommodating a disc section; a pawl for engaging with an arc-shaped guide groove formed in the surface of the case of the mobile communications terminal device; an elastic deforming section provided with the pawl on the front end section thereof, and constructed so as to deform elastically with respect to said attachment case; and a clipping plate connected via a shaft to said attachment case, and urged in a gripping direction by means of an elastic member; wherein the mobile communications terminal device is locked by means of said pawl engaging with the guide groove due to said elastic deforming section undergoing elastic deformation, when said disc section is accommodated inside the attachment case by means of sliding said cylindrical rod section in the direction of extension of said opening section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a rotating detachable belt clip for carrying a mobile communications terminal device, such as a transceiver, portable telephone, or the like.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]FIG. 11 and FIG. 16 are illustrative diagrams of a first prior art example of a belt clip.

[0005]FIG. 11, FIG. 13 and FIG. 15 are side views for illustrating the state of connection between a mobile communications terminal 30 and a belt clip 40, these views being shown as partial sections in order to illustrate the connection structure between the two members. FIG. 12, FIG. 14 and FIG. 16 are perspective diagrams showing the planar positional relationship between the terminal device 30 and the belt clip 40.

[0006] A locking disc 31 projects from the centre line of the terminal device 30, at a position slightly towards the upper end portion thereof. The locking disc 31 is formed so as to extend outwards in a radial fashion from a cylindrical rod 33, and a recess 32 is formed in the upper face thereof.

[0007] The belt clip 40, on the other hand, comprises an attachment case 44, release switch 41, pawl 42, and clipping plate 45, as the principal compositional elements thereof. The attachment case 44 and clipping plate 45 are composed in openable and closable fashion, by means of a shaft 47, and the belt clip 40 is urged in the closed direction by the elastic force of a plate spring 43. One end of the plate spring 43 confronts the clipping plate, and the other end thereof confronts the pawl 42, thereby urging the pawl in a projecting direction. The release switch 41 fits inside the attachment case 44, and is composed in such a manner that it can slide inside the case 44. By pressing the switch 41 inside the case 44, the projecting pawl 42 can be pressed downwards.

[0008] A side flange 44a and a hemispherical U-shaped flange 44 b are formed respectively in the case 44, and an opening section 46 which is slightly wider than the diameter of the cylindrical rod 33 is also provided. This case 44 has a U-shaped cross-section and is composed so as to accommodate the locking disc 31 therein.

[0009] When the release switch 41 is pressed down, thereby depressing the pawl 42, and in this state, the cylindrical rod 33 is inserted inside the opening section 46 and slid, then the locking disc 31 becomes accommodated inside the attachment case 44. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show states where the cylindrical rod 33 is confronting the U-shaped flange 44 b. If the release switch 42 is released in this state, then as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the pawl 42 engages with the recess 32, due to the elastic force of the plate spring 43, thereby locking together the mobile communications terminal 30 and the belt clip 40. In this state, the locking disc 31 is supported rotatably in a state of confrontation with the U-shaped flange 44 b. In order to release the lock, the release switch 41 is pressed down, thereby depressing the hook 42, and in this state, the lock can be released by sliding the attachment case 44 in the direction of extension of the opening section 46.

[0010]FIG. 17 to FIG. 24 are illustrative diagrams of a second prior art example relating to a belt clip.

[0011]FIG. 17, FIG. 19, FIG. 21 and FIG. 23 are side views showing the state of connection of a mobile communications terminal 50 and belt clip 60, these views being shown as partial sections in order to illustrate the connection structure between the two members. FIG. 18, FIG. 20, FIG. 22 and FIG. 24 are perspective diagrams showing the planar positional relationship between the terminal device 30 and the belt clip 40.

[0012] A locking disc 51 projects from the centre line of the terminal device 50 at a position slightly towards the upper end portion thereof. The locking disc 51 is formed so as to extend outwards in a radial fashion from a cylindrical rod 54, and a guide groove 52 is formed in the upper face thereof. A projection 53 having a trapezoidal cross-section inclined from the centre towards the circumference is formed on the centre line of the guide groove 52.

[0013] The belt clip 60, on the other hand, comprises a pawl 61, an attachment case 62, and a clipping plate 64, as the principal constituent elements thereof. The attachment case 62 and clipping plate 64 are composed in an openable and closable fashion, by means of a shaft 65, and the belt clip 60 is urged in a closed direction by the elastic force of the spring 66. A side flange 62 a and hemispherical U-shaped flange 62 b are formed respectively in the case 62, and an opening section 63 slightly wider than the diameter of the cylindrical rod 54. The case 62 has a U-shaped and is composed so as to accommodate the locking disc 51 therein.

[0014]FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate the manner by which the locking disc 51 is accommodated inside the attachment case 62, when the cylindrical rod 54 has been inserted into the opening section 63 and slid. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 illustrate a state where the attachment case 62 has been further slid and the cylindrical rod 54 has confronted the U-shaped flange 62 b. By confronting the projection 53, the pawl 61 is pressed down by the side of the clipping plate 64. In this state, if the belt clip 60 is rotated through 180 degrees, then as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the pawl 61 slides over the gradient of the projection 53 and engages into the guide groove 52. Thereby, the mobile communications terminal 50 and the belt clip 60 are locked together. In this state, the locking disc 51 is supported rotatably in a state of confrontation with the U-shaped flange 62 b. In order to release the lock, the pawl 61 is located so that is confronts the projection 53 directly, and then the lock can be released by sliding the attachment case 62 in the direction of extension of the guide groove 52.

[0015] However, in the first prior art example, since a release switch 41 for locking and releasing is provided, the structure becomes complex, and moreover, manufacturing costs increase. On the other hand, in the second prior art example, since the guide groove 52 and projection 53 for locking and releasing must be formed in the locking disc 51, the manufacturing process of the locking disc becomes complex, and manufacturing costs increase.

[0016] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rotating detachable belt clip having a simple structure, at low manufacturing cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the rotating detachable belt clip according to the present invention is a rotating detachable belt clip for carrying a mobile communications terminal device comprising: an attachment case having an opening section slightly broader than the external diameter of the rod section of a bushing which is inserted into the case of the mobile communications terminal device and has a T-shaped cross-section consisting of the rod section and a disc section, said attachment case being formed into a U-shaped cross-section for accommodating a disc section; a pawl for engaging with an arc-shaped guide groove formed in the surface of the case of the mobile communications terminal device; an elastic deforming section provided with the pawl at the front end section thereof, and constructed so as to deform elastically with respect to the attachment case; and a clipping plate connected via a shaft to the attachment case, and urged in a gripping direction by means of an elastic member; wherein the mobile communications terminal device is locked by means of the pawl engaging with the guide groove due to the elastic deforming section undergoing elastic deformation, when the disc section is accommodated inside the attachment case by means of sliding the cylindrical rod section in the direction of extension of the opening section.

[0018] By means of the present invention, since the guide groove for performing locking and release is formed in the surface of the case of the mobile communications terminal device, it is not necessary to process the bushing to a prescribed shape, and hence manufacturing costs can be reduced. Moreover, no complicated mechanisms, such as a release switch, or the like, are required, and hence locking and releasing of the mobile communications terminal device can be achieved by means of a simple composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 19 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 22 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a side view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042]FIG. 24 is a plan view for describing the connection structure between a mobile communications terminal device and a rotating detachable belt clip relating to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] First Embodiment

[0044] This embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings.

[0045]FIG. 1 to FIG. 8 illustrate a rotating detachable belt clip relating to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 are side views of a mobile communications terminal device and belt clip, these diagrams being shown in partial cross-section in order to describe the connection structure between the respective elements. FIG. 2. FIG. 4, FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 are perspective diagrams for describing the planar positional relationship between the respective elements.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, a guide groove 13 for rotating and sliding a pawl 22 is formed in a circular arc shape on the centre line of the case 16 of a mobile communications terminal device 10, at a position slightly towards the upper end portion thereof from the centre of gravity. Moreover, a projection 14 of trapezoidal cross-section forming an inclined face is formed in the case 16 from the centre of said arc shape towards the circumference thereof. The guide groove 13 and projection 14 are formed integrally with the case by means of injection moulding. In other words, the guide groove 13 and projection 14 are formed by undulations in the surface of the case 16.

[0047] Moreover, a bushing 11 of T-shaped cross-section is fixed into the centre portion of the guide groove 13. The bushing 11 consists of a circular disc 11 a, and a cylindrical rod 11 b, the outer diameter of the disc 11 a being set to a greater size that the outer diameter of the cylindrical 11 b. In contrast to the second prior art example described above, in the present invention, it is not necessary to form complicated shapes (such as the aforementioned guide groove 52 and projection 53, and the like,) in the disc 11 a for the purpose of locking and releasing, and therefore, design freedom can be increased. For example, for the bushing 11, it is possible to use a generic bushing made from plastic components, metal components, or the like.

[0048] The belt clip 20, on the other hand, comprises an elastic deforming section 21, a pawl 22, attachment case 23, and clipping plate 24, as the principal components thereof. The attachment case 23 and clipping plate 24 are composed so as to be openable and closable by means of a shaft 27, and the clip 20 is urged in a gripping position by the elastic force of a spring 25. By installing the clipping plate 14 on the user's belt, or the like, the mobile communications terminal device 10 can be carried about at a position on the user's waist. The attachment case 23 has a U-shaped cross-section, and is composed in such a manner that it can accommodate the disc 11 a. Two small gaps 28 are formed in the end face of the attachment case 23, and an elastically deformable elastic deforming section 21 having a U-shaped cross-section is formed between these small gaps 28. A pawl 22 projects from the front end of the elastic deforming section 21, the cross section of the pawl 22 being processed to the same shape as the cross section of the guide groove 13. Furthermore, the attachment case 23 opens in a T shape at the borders of the two small gaps 28, thereby forming an opening section 26 which is slightly broader than the diameter of the cylindrical rod 11 b.

[0049] In the aforementioned composition, the mobile communications terminal device 10 and the belt clip 20 are locked together when the elastic deforming section 21 deforms elastically and fits into the guide groove 13, as the disc 11 a is accommodated inside the attachment case 23 by sliding the cylindrical rod 11 b of the bushing 11 in the direction of extension of the opening 26. This locking can be released by locating the two elements in particular relative angular positions, whereby the pawl 22 rides up over the projection 14 and can be released from the guide groove 13.

[0050] When the belt clip 20 and mobile communications terminal device 10 are locked, then the clip 20 is freely rotatable with respect to the mobile communications terminal device 10, and the lock can be released by sliding the belt clip 20 in a particular prescribed direction only, but desirably, a composition is adopted whereby the mobile communications terminal device 10 cannot be rotated readily with respect to the clip 20, when the user is carrying the mobile communications terminal device 10. In other words, desirably, a composition is adopted whereby the mobile communications terminal device 10 rotates with respect to the clip 20 only when a prescribed force is applied by manual operation by the user. For this purpose, a pair of projections 15 are formed on the case 16 as means for temporarily fixing the mobile communications terminal device 10. The mobile communications terminal device 10 and clip 20 can be temporarily fixed by means of the attachment case 23 confronting the projections 15 with a certain prescribed force. Moreover, since the bushing 11 is positioned slightly towards the upper end portion of the mobile communications terminal device 10 from the centre of gravity thereof, when the mobile communications terminal device 10 and the clip 20 are locked together, the mobile communications terminal device 10 can be provisionally fixed in a secure manner with respect to the clip.

[0051]FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show how the bushing 11 is accommodated inside the attachment case 23, when the cylindrical rod 11 b is inserted into the opening 26 and slid. In this diagram, the pawl 22 is positioned between the pair of projections 15. The pawl 22 slides over the surface of the case 16 until reaching the projection 14. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show how the pawl 22 slides over the surface of the case 16 and confronts the projection 14 in a raised state. In this state, the elastic deforming section 21 undergoes elastic deformation, and the pawl 22 confronts the projection 14 with a prescribed force. If the belt clip 20 is subsequently rotated through 180 degrees about the bushing 11, then the pawl 22 is caused to descend and slide over the inclined face of the projection 14, by the pressure applied by the elastic deforming section 21, and it fits into guide groove 13. Thereby, the pawl 22 slides inside the guide groove as the belt clip 20 is rotated. By means of the foregoing operation, the locking between the belt clip 20 and the mobile communications terminal device 10 is completed. In a state where the pawl 22 is engaged inside the guide groove 13, the lock between the belt clip 20 and the mobile communications terminal device 10 cannot be released. If the belt clip 20 is placed at a particular angle, thereby raising the pawl 22 over the projection 14, and the belt clip 20 is then slid in the direction of the centre line of the case 16, then the lock is released.

[0052] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the guide groove 13 into which the pawl 22 fits is formed on the surface of the case of the mobile communications terminal device 10, and therefore it is not necessary to process the bushing 11 to a particular shape, and hence manufacturing costs can be reduced. Moreover, no complicated mechanisms, such as release switches, or the like, are provided, and hence the lock/release operation of the mobile communications terminal device 10 can be achieved by means of a simple composition.

[0053] Second Embodiment

[0054] Next, a second embodiment of a rotating detachable belt clip is now described.

[0055]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a mobile communications terminal device 10. As shown in the diagram, grooves 13 a creating radially shaped depressions are formed in the guide grooves 13 at approximately equidistant intervals in a radial fashion, and the pawl 22 is composed in such a manner that it engages with the grooves 13 a with a suitable tension. The guide groove 13 and the grooves 13 a are formed integrally with the case 16 by injection moulding. In other words, the guide groove 13 and grooves 13 a are formed by undulations in the surface of the case 16.

[0056]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram for describing the state of engagement between the pawl 22 and the grooves 13 a. By means of the cylindrical rod 11 b of the bushing 11 sliding in the direction of extension of the opening 26, the disc 11 a is accommodated inside the attachment case 23, the elastic deforming section 21 is elastically deformed, and the pawl 22 fits into the guide groove 13, in which state, if the attachment case 23 is rotated in such a manner that the pawl 22 slides along the guide groove 13 in an arc shape, then the pawl 22 will move by riding over the undulations of the grooves 13 a. Here, if the attachment case 23 is pulled at a certain angle with respect to the vertical, then as shown in FIG. 10, since the pawl 22 is engaged with the groove 13 a with a certain tension, the attachment case 23 will not rotate under its own weight, but will remain in its current state.

[0057] Thereby, since the mobile communications terminal device 10 can be held at a desired angle, it is possible to provide a rotating detachable belt clip affording excellent convenience and operability. Moreover, when installing the mobile communications terminal device 10 on the belt clip 20, as the pawl 22 slides in an arc shape over the guide groove 13, an appropriate tension is exerted when the pawl 22 passes over the undulations of the groove 13 a, and therefore it is possible to obtain a suitable sensation of elements clicking into place. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotating detachable belt clip for carrying a mobile communications terminal device; comprising: an attachment case having an opening section slightly broader than the external diameter of the rod section of a bushing which is inserted into the case of said mobile communications terminal device and has a T-shaped cross-section consisting of the rod section and a disc section, said attachment case being formed into a U-shaped cross-section for accommodating a disc section, and; a pawl for engaging with an arc-shaped guide groove formed in the surface of the case of said mobile communications terminal device; an elastic deforming section provided with said pawl at the front end section thereof, and constructed so as to deform elastically with respect to said attachment case; and a clipping plate connected via a shaft to said attachment case, and urged in a gripping direction by means of an elastic member; wherein the mobile communications terminal device is locked by means of said pawl engaging with said guide groove due to said elastic deforming section undergoing elastic deformation, when said disc section is accommodated inside said attachment case by sliding said rod section in the direction of extension of said opening section.
 2. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 1, wherein said guide groove is formed integrally with said case.
 3. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 2, wherein said lock is released by means of said pawl riding up over a trapezoidal projection formed in said case.
 4. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 3, wherein said trapezoidal projection is formed integrally with said case.
 5. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 1, wherein said bushing is a member in which a circular disc section and a cylindrical rod section are formed integrally.
 6. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 1, wherein grooves provided at equidistant intervals for engaging with said pawl are formed in said guide groove.
 7. The rotating detachable belt clip according to claim 6, wherein said grooves are formed integrally with said case. 